Summary
This case involves a naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from Taiwan, who had held a top secret security clearance since 1997 while working for a U.S. defense contractor. The applicant's security clearance was DENIED under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) due to significant family ties in Taiwan.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted that the applicant's parents, brother, parents-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law are all citizens and residents of Taiwan. Several of these family members hold positions within the Taiwanese government or military: the applicant's father is a retired one-star general from the Taiwanese navy and a retired division chief of a major Taiwanese political party, and his brother is employed by the same political party. Additionally, his brother's spouse holds a high-ranking position in a mayor's office, his father-in-law is a retired colonel from the Taiwanese navy, and his brother-in-law holds a high-level position in a Taiwanese law enforcement agency. The applicant also maintained contact with a high school friend employed by a branch of the Taiwanese government and traveled to Taiwan multiple times between 1992 and at least 2003. The applicant's spouse also maintains daily contact with her mother and sister in Taiwan.
The administrative judge concluded that these extensive family connections, particularly those with government and military affiliations, created a potential for foreign influence, coercion, or pressure, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has close family members who are citizens and residents of Taiwan, including a father who is a retired military officer and a brother who worked for a political party.
- The applicant's spouse has family members in Taiwan, including a brother who works for a law enforcement agency, which raises concerns of foreign influence.
- The applicant's frequent contact with family in Taiwan and their government ties create a potential for coercion or pressure.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1.2.1appliedForeign Influence - Immediate Family Member Is a Citizen Of, or Resident In, a Foreign Country.
- E2.A2.1.2.2appliedForeign Influence - Sharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists.
- E2.A2.1.2.3appliedForeign Influence - Relatives, Cohabitants, or Associates Who Are Connected with Any Foreign Government.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security risk may exist when an individual's immediate family, including cohabitants, and other persons to whom he or she may be bound by affection, influence, or obligation are not citizens of the United States or may be subject to duress.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 18, 2005
- Answer filedJun 25, 2005Initial response not considered responsive.
- Hearing heldFeb 16, 2006Applicant represented himself.
- Decision dateJun 16, 2006
Cite For
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties Under Guideline B
- Impact of Foreign Family Members on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Criteria for Assessing Potential Foreign Influence Risks